Miss Lawrence to Host “Plated Purpose” Dinner for National HIV Testing Day

Entertainment News

Source: Getty Images

June 27th marks National HIV Testing Day, and actor, singer, and social advocate Miss Lawrence is leading the charge in Atlanta as host of Plated Purpose, a dinner experience rooted in conversation, community, and care.

The dinner, powered by Gilead Sciences, is set to bring together actors, influencers, and local community leaders for an intimate evening focused on HIV prevention, self-love, and access to tools that can help end the HIV epidemic for everyone everywhere–especially within Black communities. 

Miss Lawrence, widely known for roles in shows like Star, standout cameos on Real Housewives of Atlanta, and Atlanta mother of the House of Balenciaga, created the Plated Purpose dinner series to help bridge the often overlooked gap between Black LGBTQ+ and straight communities. 

Since its 2022 debut, the event has scaled into something much bigger, including its legendary expansion into the Purpose Ball during the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman Festival in 2023. That ball made waves offline and online, especially when the viral clip of Mary J. surfaced, giving peak judge-and-jury energy as she held up her “chop” sign with zero hesitation.

But behind the memes and funny viral moments, the mission behind the Plated Purpose dinner experience is clear: real conversations that address issues affecting us as Black people. Issues that keep us from progressing toward our best selves and realizing the best version of who we are. 

“I’m excited to host this dinner to raise awareness about HIV testing and to continue efforts to de-stigmatize and normalize the idea and action around getting tested,” said Miss Lawrence.

“It’s important for influencers to use their voices and platforms to reach people who may not be reached through traditional efforts.” 

Image source: IMDB

This year’s dinner takes place as National HIV Testing Day celebrates its 30th anniversary. The 2025 theme, “Level Up Your Self-Love: Check Your Status,” speaks to testing as an act of radical self-care, especially in communities disproportionately impacted by HIV. 

In addition to supporting community-driven events like this, Gilead Sciences recently made headlines with FDA approval of its long-acting antiviral, Lenacapavir (Yeztugo), which has been dubbed a game-changer in HIV prevention. The drug is taken only twice a year and is one of the most significant steps forward in treatment and prevention efforts in decades. 

This program is part of Gilead’s ongoing commitment to help end the HIV epidemic for everyone, everywhere.

Darwin Thompson, Senior Director of Public Affairs at Gilead shared, “This program is part of Gilead’s ongoing commitment to help end the HIV epidemic for everyone, everywhere. By investing in community-centered education and collaboration, Gilead aims to support the individuals and grassroots leaders who are essential in advancing HIV prevention and care.” 

By bringing people together across identities, backgrounds, and experiences, Plated Purpose reminds us that healing happens not just in clinics or campaigns, but also at the table. 

To learn more about HIV testing, or to find a testing location or order an at-home kit, visit HIVTestNow.com.